ATLANTA – The Georgia House of Representatives passed House Bill 92 on Tuesday, February 22, by a vote of 148 to 20, showing broad bipartisan support for the measure. Introduced by Representative Mark Hamilton (R-Cumming), HB 92 improves Georgia’s in person, no excuse, early voting law by implementing a standard statewide early voting start date.
“HB 92 simplifies Georgia’s early voting system by creating a more consistent voting timeframe and eliminates the confusion that results from overlapping registration and voting periods,” said Rep. Hamilton. “These changes save taxpayer dollars by focusing our limited resources on funding voting times that are most convenient for Georgia voters, including a Saturday.”
Under HB 92, advance voting in Georgia general elections would begin on the fourth Monday preceding a primary and general election and as soon as possible prior to a runoff. The early voting period would then run through the Friday immediately prior to each election. During that period, early voting locations would be open during normal business hours on weekdays. Additionally, if the election includes a federal or state office, early voting locations would also be open on the second Saturday preceding an election from 9:00 AM through 4:00 PM.
Currently, Georgia’s early voting period begins at least 45 days before a federal or state general election and 21 days before a municipal general election. Careful review of this time frame consistently showed that only three percent of early voting occurs in the first two weeks of the current 45 day period. However, more than 75 percent of all early voting occurs in the last three weeks of an election.
By shortening the early voting period to three weeks and expanding access during those weeks, the state would be able to better serve Georgia voters while eliminating the unnecessary waste of funding unused early voting times. Additionally, this change would reduce voter confusion and remorse by allowing more time for Georgians to reach a fully informed decision before casting their vote.
HB 92 would not effect early voting by mail or absentee voting. All Georgia voters would still be able to mail their ballot up to 45 days early and request ballots up to 180 days prior to an election.
This legislation carries broad bi-partisan support from groups including the Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG) and the League of Women Voters of Georgia.
HB 92 will now be sent to the state Senate for consideration. For more information on HB 92, please click here.
Representative Mark Hamilton represents the citizens of District 23, which includes parts of Cherokee and Forsyth Counties. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2006 and currently serves as Chairman of the Governmental Affairs Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations, Energy, Utilities, & Telecommunications, Industrial Relations, and Transportation committees.
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